When I open my mother’s jewelry boxes, I ponder precious memories attached to the pieces she wore. I can almost smell her Max Factor perfume when I pick up the gold rhinestone bracelet she wore when she and Daddy went out with friends.
Mama’s jewelry boxes store treasures and safeguard dear memories. Peek into your jewelry box or another space where you keep jewelry and consider its value as safe storage for precious possessions and perhaps for fond memories.
A ring or a necklace may prompt a smile as you remember the person who gave it to you. A bracelet may kindle memories of a joyous occasion when you wore it.
In the same way, Scripture can spark memories.
Memorized verses may remind us of a Bible character who endured similar trials or may help us focus on one of God’s characteristics. They also remind us of times when God’s Word instructed us or offered peace.
When we commit verses or passages from God’s Word to memory, our hearts become safe storage for jewels of truth. Share on XWhen we commit verses or passages from God’s Word to memory, our hearts become safe storage for jewels of truth. Even after we’ve learned verses, our memories may falter, but God prepared for human error.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:26 ESV
Our job is to learn portions of the Bible and store them in our hearts. The Holy Spirit then brings them to our remembrance.
I’m not an expert on memorizing Scripture, and words don’t stick in my brain as easily as they once did. That’s why I’m gathering and sharing the ideas below with the hope my suggestions will help you, also.
Eight Ways to Memorize Scripture
We select jewelry according to personal taste. Consider these ideas for memorization of Scripture and pick the ones that suit your learning style. Print and star those you want to try and add other methods you discover.
1. Study and write out the verse(s).
Ask God to reveal His truth and apply it to your life. Jot down synonyms, definitions, and thoughts about the passages. Use cross-references, a study Bible or commentary to add insight about the author and audience of the passage you’re studying.
2. Cut and paste the words.
Type the verse in a large font and print it. Cut the words apart and store them in an envelope. Practice assembling them to create the correct word order.
3. Try Bible memory apps.
My friend and Bible teacher extraordinaire, Jean Wilund, offers reviews on Bible verse memory apps in the link below. (You’ll love her You Tube lessons. Subscribe and enjoy.) https://jeanwilund.com/memorizing-bible-verses-just-got-easier-the-best-free-bible-verse-memory-apps/
4. Create a greeting card with the verse.
After studying the verse and creating a card, mail it to a friend. Old cards, photographs, and bits of ribbon or rick rack add beauty.
5. Write a prayer using the verse.
Write the verse as a prayer asking God to help you remember the truth and apply the principle. Select two verses from Psalms, one to pray each morning and one for each night. When you learn those, try two more.
6. Hand letter or decorate the verse.
Try Bible journaling with hand lettering or calligraphy. You may prefer simply printing the letters and embellishing your print with drawings. My friend, Katy Kauffman of Lighthouse Bible Studies (http://lighthousebiblestudies.com/), uses fancy calligraphy sometimes and simple print at other times.
7. Write the verse on a card and post it in the kitchen and bathroom. While you’re washing vegetables or applying makeup, recite or sing the verse using the tune of a hymn or praise song you know. Look away from the card and try to recite it.
8. Add hand motions to dramatize the verse.
At a ladies’ Bible study I attend, one of the teachers regularly reminds us to study God’s Word and commit it to memory. (Thank you, Jimmie Annette!) After other methods failed for some of the study verses, I made up hand signals for words or phrases in the verses. I wish I could show you, but here’s an example verse with a motion for each part:
I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
Psalm 40:8 ESV
I delight to do your will
Point to yourself, then place index fingers on the corners of your mouth and smile. Then point upward to indicate your will.
O my God
Pull hands down to your heart to indicate He is your God.
your law
Pretend to hold a Bible in your hands.
is within my heart.
Point to your heart.
Create motions that work for you.
How do you learn Scripture? Would an idea from the list help you?
Please add your ideas in the Comments. I’m eager to try them. May our hearts be filled with the treasures of God’s Word.
This post is part three of a three-part series.
Post 1 link: https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/storing-treasure-thoughts-from-a-jewelry-box-and-psalm-119/
Post 2 link: https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/embrace-gods-all-occasion-treasures/